Pollard only back in 2017

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Cape Town - Springbok and Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard is
only likely to return to the rugby field in 2017 after rupturing knee ligaments
in training.

The Bulls on Monday announced that Pollard will be sidelined
for at least nine months. This effectively means he will miss the entire Super Rugby
season as well as South Africa’s June Tests against Ireland, the Rugby
Championship and the year-end tour to Europe in November.

He will be operated on Wednesday, the Bulls confirmed via a
press statement.

Pollard's injury came on the first day of his return to
rugby and according to Bulls coach Nollis Marais, was a freak accident.

"Handre was easing back into training, his first phase
of final rehab before being cleared to play and was busy with a passing drill
when he injured himself. This is pretty devastating for all of us, as Handre
was a key player for us. We are fortunate to have two very capable flyhalves
still in our squad in Tian Schoeman and Francois Brummer. They now get the
opportunity to showcase their skills and I am confident that we can still
achieve our goals for the season."

According to Marais, Pollard had recovered well from the
shoulder injury he picked up playing club rugby in Japan for the NTT Docomo Red
Hurricanes.

Pollard boasts 20 Test caps for the Springboks since making
his debut against Scotland in June 2014.

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